English sumptuary legislation and enforcement (1483–1603)

1. Richard III issues a new Act of Apparel

   Jan 1, 1483Labels: Richard III, Act of

   • Britannica Wikisource
   • Sumptuary law

2. Importation of Silk Act takes effect

   Mar 30, 1483Labels: Importation of, Parliament

   • Importation Act 1482

3. Richard III extends silk-import restrictions

   Feb 20, 1484Labels: Richard III, Silk restrictions

   • Importation Act 1482

4. Henry VIII expands proclamation-making power

   Jun 28, 1539Labels: Henry VIII, Statute of

   • Proclamation Act 1539

5. Mary I’s Parliament passes an Apparel Act

   Jan 16, 1555Labels: Mary I, Apparel Act

   • Acts list 1554

6. Elizabeth I signals renewed enforcement of apparel laws

   May 6, 1562Labels: Elizabeth I, Privy Council

   • Elizabethan Statutes

7. Church “Advertisements” regulate clerical dress

   Jan 1, 1566Labels: Church Advertisements, Clergy dress

   • Advertisements 1566

8. Caps Act requires wool caps on Sundays

   Jan 1, 1571Labels: Caps Act, Parliament

   • Sumptuary law

9. Elizabeth I issues major apparel-enforcement proclamation

   Jun 15, 1574Labels: Elizabeth I, 1574 Proclamation

   • Elizabethan Statutes
   • Elizabethan Statutes

10. Continuance Act extends the life of older statutes

    Sep 14, 1585Labels: Continuance Act, Parliament

    • Continuance Act 1584

11. Continuance Act again carries forward older regulations

    Mar 29, 1589Labels: Continuance Act, Parliament

    • Continuance Act 1588

12. Caps Act repealed amid shifting policy priorities

    Feb 9, 1598Labels: Caps Act, Parliament

    • Sumptuary law
    • Continuance Act 1597

13. Parliament repeals “all other acts…concerning apparel”

    Jul 7, 1604Labels: James I, Repealing Act

    • Continuance Act 1603